Athleta ... After Hours

If only life was like a TV show, right? I'm thinking of the classic Saved By The Bell or some other equally amazing 80s-90s classic TV show where the gang gets trapped in the mall/store - after hours! They try on all the clothes, have some sort of safe mischief transpire and then they escape being arrested for trespassing and go on their way for pizza.

Doesn't anyone else wish that would happen to them?

Well I got the chance ... okay minus A.C. Slater and crew ... to hang at the Athleta Store on Newbury St in Boston - After Hours!

Par-tay!!

I and some other Boston area bloggers were invited to check out Athleta's new Summer Line. Oh yeah sneak peek!!

My love of Athleta has been growing and growing, but I can never find an opportunity to make it into one of the stores.  So I jumped at the opportunity. Plus, it happened at 7pm, which meant I could leave work at my normal time and arrive fashionably late. I know I am never fashionable, but I can OWN fashionably late.

I arrived at Athleta to a nearly empty store, which is a really cool sensation. It is like walking into your personal closet - except you need to pay for the things inside of it before you can wear them. :P Minor detail.

There were a handful of bloggers on site when I arrived, as well as some delish looking wraps being offered by Flatout Bread.

Flatout Bread even sent us home with a bag full of goodies. I know you are all jealous of that.

After grabbing my glass of champagne and snapping a quick "Look Ma! I am in a store after hours. Aren't I cool? Okay I know I am not, but let's pretend" selfie...

... I was off to the races to check out the goods.

Now, if you told me five years ago, that I would be this giddy over checking out workout clothes - I would've told you to go home. But, here I am in 2014, and in heaven.

I mean how cute, right?

Athleta doesn't carry all of their size options in store. I believe you have to go online to purchase some of the larger options (hope they are working to change that). But Athleta does range in sizes from 0-20 or (S-2X). I am not sure if every style is available in all sizes, but playing around on the website helps to figure that out.

As someone who used to be a size 20, I appreciate a brand name taking care of their clients - who range in shapes and sizes. Plus, I love the Athleta message of "power to the she!" Girl Power baby. Oh Spice Girls how I miss thee.

But I digress...

I did a once around the store before targeting the running corner. Are we shocked. The pants (pictured above) caught my eye immediately. They are the Blossoms Be Free Knicker (value $64). I loved the pattern, the drawstring, ventilation behind the knees, the rear pocket AND side pockets (where I could hold my ENERGYBits during a run. Oh they were made for me. I was Oohing and Ahhing over them when I heard: "Do you want me to start a room for you?"

Oh heck yeah!

I've never liked clothes shopping or trying on clothes, but seeing the fun colors and patterns in Athleta that night made me leap at the chance to see how they would look.

The girl helping me asked what size I needed and I immediately wanted to say XL. BUT I already own a pair of Athleta pants so I knew it was a Medium. Can that gut reaction to say XL just go away?

And they fit like a glove. The tag is blocking the side pocket, but it is perfect for your in-run fuel. I had a hard time taking them off. I just wanted to hit the streets in them.

I may or may not have done a lap in the store, while wearing them. I mean you need to test these things out right?

The extra lap also helped me spot some additional pants to try on.

As I mentioned before, I love the relay capris I got during a Fitfluential campaign last year. They are amalfi blue - aka really blue - and were a color choice out of my comfort zone.

I was explaining this to the girls who worked at Athleta and they pulled the same pants off the discount rack ($69 marked down to $44.99), but in coralade (aka pink). I was nervous to try on such a bold flavor, but felt comfortable with the encouragement from the girls in the fitting room so I took the  chance.

How bright are they? :P

Sorry I didn't have time to match my KT Tape to the pants.

While I was doing a little walk around in the relay capris, I noticed Rachel (aka @Healthy_Chicks) rockin' the Chaturanga Capri ($54)in Catalina Green. They were fierce. Can I say fierce? Has Beyoncé trademarked that?

Anywho with some slight prodding by the other ladies in the fitting room, I took the plunge to try them on.

See the fierceness? Ignore my inability to make a normal face.

As soon as I put them on I wanted to live in them. I kid you not. I wanted to make a movement that these be considered business wear. They were flattering - a nice wide waistband which really flatters all body types. They are made of a Pilayo wicking material, which allows the pants to breathe and dry quickly. They even lend "UPF 50+ protection."

While changing back into my normal wear, the three pairs of pants sat in front of me. Taunting me. Calling my name. Saying they wanted to come home with me.

I was not planning on spending money.

Then I remembered. I tucked a $50 Athleta gift card in my pocketbook earlier in the day. Just in case. AND the lovely ladies of Athleta treated all the bloggers to a $25 gift card for being at the event. Pair those $75 gift cards with a 30% off coupon and I walked out of the store with three pairs of pants for $53.

Oh heck yeah!

Even without the gift cards the Athleta pants are reasonably priced compared to some other workout clothing lines that I won't mention (from that country ending in anada).

So if you haven't had the chance to check out the new Athleta Summer line, head to their website or the closest store. You really won't be disappointed.

You just may have to bring your own champagne and snacks... ;)

Ready to Sparkle? Enter my Sparkly Soul Headband Giveaway

Annddddd the winners ARE:

a Rafflecopter giveaway CONGRATS!!!!

Thank you to everyone that participated and big thanks to Sparkly Soul!!

***

How do I keep sparkling on days when I don't feel blah?

How do I had a little sparkle to my ho-hum work clothes?

Can I dress up a grueling workout with sparkle?

When in the middle of a tough race how do I let people know I'm still sparkling?

With my Sparkly Soul headbands of course... :)

Perfectly in place during the Walt Disney World Marathon

Adding a little flair at a Tedy's Team charity event

Staying put during a tough training session

According to their website, Sparkly Soul headbands are:

no headache and no slip....yes, REALLY no headache and no slip. Our patent pending design makes certain that your headbands stay in place - no matter how intense your sports or fitness activity.

• Sparkle all around - 360° of sparkle

• Entire band is elastic

• One size fits all adults. Also, fits kids ages 5 and up.

And I can confirm that they do not slip! :) I have worn them through windy road races, marathons, triathlons, long days of work and while sleeping ... never budged once.

Plus, I feel dressed up at work when I add a Sparkly Soul headband to the mix.

I wear Sparkly Soul so often people recognize me by them. ;)

Just a small portion of my collection

I love the color options. The headbands come in both wide and thin versions. You can totally mix and match and make all sorts of amazing combinations!

A thick headband - the only thing that can tame my mane

2 thin headbands 

So now that I have you all ready to sparkle, it is time to share the good news...

Sparkly Soul is announcing the newest color: the special edition Sky Blue headband. It is the first ever special edition headband, which is here to celebrate both Valentine's Day and founder Dari's upcoming wedding.

Photo Courtesy Competitor Magazine

The headband is sky blue with a matching velvet backing.

I was lucky enough to pick one up at the Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans Half Marathon Expo this past weekend.

Pamela of Sparkly Soul rockin' 3 wide headbands at RnR New Orleans Expo

But now it's your turn. That's right. These headbands don't hit the web until Friday, but I am giving away 6 headbands - 3 wide and 3 thin - to 6 lucky readers.

***

So here's how to enter to win 1 of 6 Sparkly Soul headbands:

The giveaway will run from Monday February 10 (8am ET) through Friday February 14 (10am ET)!

The winner will be selected and announced on Friday!

My Recent Running Finds

New toys. New shiny things. New running clothes. I love finding new gadgets or clothing to improve my running/gym experiences.

Here are a few things that I have found through the interwebs.

1) Cory Vines 

Cory Vines is a clothing company out of Montreal, Canada. I had the honor of speaking with their founder Daniel over the phone a couple of weeks back. Their products are available online only, which helps with cost, and are all about the buyers' needs.

We aren’t trying to sell 10,000 items. We only make things we are really excited about. Our goal is to keep it simple by providing a seamless shopping experience. We produce everything you need and nothing that you don't.

I sampled the Essential Long Sleeve in Sunset (pictured above), which retails for $35 USD. The fabric is soft, light and extremely breathable. Not only did it serve as a great base layer for my run it also is soft enough to wear while lounging on the couch watching movies.

Don't you love a versatile and functional piece of clothing?

2) KT Tape

I have been using KT Tape on my knee for all of my big races, especially since many of the bigger races have KT Tape booths at the expo so you can try it for free.

But as my body took a beating during marathon training for The Boston Marathon in April 2013, I needed support more often. I finally got the courage to try applying KT Tape myself rather than letting the experts do it at a race expo. :)

KT Tape has instructional videos on their website that make it easy enough for someone like me to correctly apply the tape.

I use it on my knee on almost a daily basis for stabilization during my runs/workouts. After injuring my wrist during an obstacle race this past summer, I needed something to help stabilize my wrist while strength training and KT Tape came to the rescue.

After seeing my friend Heather post on Instagram about KT Tape helping her ball-of-foot pain, I had to give it a try. I was diagnosed with Metatarsalgia last month and the metatarsal pad wasn't helping my pain in the slightest so I turned to KT Tape to help relieve some of the pain. I was skeptical at first because how could tape help relieve the pressure, but it has really helped. More so than the metatarsal pad. Now the pain isn't 100% disappearing, but it is making running bearable. I've even been able to participate in the #RWRunStreak thanks to KT Tape.

3) Armpocket

I was contacted to test out Armpocket and I am so happy they reached out! I had never heard of this product before.

The Armpocket (this model valued at $29.95) can hold your phone, ID, credit cards, train pass, money for a post-run low-fat chocolate milk or coffee ;) and more. And by more I mean I could fit my ENERGYBits, my natural running energy boost, in the armband so I wouldn't have to bring an extra bag to a race when traveling solo.

Traveling to races or long runs solo is always nerve-wracking to me. Where will I bag check or stash my stuff along the way. But Armpocket can actually hold all of my essentials in one place, while keeping them dry (it's water resistant), being lightweight on my arm and keeping me fueled throughout the run.

The Armpocket offers different colors and different models to match all smart phones!

4) Zensah Smart Running Gloves

How many times have you tried to change a song on your iPod during a run only to have your glove fail at "swiping" the smart phone screen?

Enter the Zensah Smart Running Gloves (retail $29.99).

The gloves not only keep your hands warm, but they also allow you to finally change the songs on your iPod or text a friend without having to take your gloves off. Let me tell you as someone that runs in the unbearable cold temperatures of the Boston winter I am psyched for these beauties. They are going to come in pretty handy while training for the 2014 Boston Marathon.

The gloves in action setting up my Runkeeper for my latest run. Look ma gloves on and I can still work my phone! :)

5) ACTIVE Accessories

Active Accessories’ On-The-Go Accessory Pouch is a versatile, sporty clutch designed for people of all ages who are always “on the go”. Designed to fill the reoccurring need of a “fun and athletic looking” accessory holder to put jewelry in when going from work to the gym or running outside. Never lose an earring again!

Since I usually head to the gym from home, I haven't had to use it to hold my jewelry accessories (as the owner of Active Accessories, Nancy, does) but instead as a way to bring my essentials on walk with a friend to get coffee or a trip to the gym. This cute clutch (value $9.99) can hold my ID, credit card, cash, keys and my iPhone while I am out and about. This is a HUGE help since I usually jam all of that stuff in my pockets, which isn't the most secure way to do it, or I leave everything on top of the piece of the exercise equipment I am using and inevitably fall of mid-workout. So now all of my valuables are in one safe spot.

Plus, I can rock this on a daily basis while running errands as well. Talk about getting your $10 worth.

But, I like where Nancy was going when inventing this product. When I had to go straight from work to the gym or vice versa, I would just shove my jewelry in the side pocket of my gym bag, which wasn't a safe way to hold my valuables or a way to keep my necklaces from tangling with my earrings.

6) 1BandID

I am one forgetful person when it comes to heading out for my run or leaving the house on the norm. So when I found 1BandID I got excited that I could now attach my information (which every runner should have on them whenever they are out hitting the pavement) to my Garmin. I never run/walk without my Garmin so having my info attached to the Garmin itself seems genius.

I was sold after reading their website:

What Makes 1BandID Different

• It attaches to your watch, GPS or Heart Rate Monitor band, the one thing triathletes, runners and most cyclists wear most often. It simplifies safety and helps make ID unforgettable.
• Patented design that minimizes bulk and weight. It's an identification tag that is so light and comfortable you won't even know it's there until you need it the most. So while you're checking your heart rate, distance or time, or clocking another lap at the track, 1BandID has your back. 
• Neoprene instead of nylon so it doesn't absorb water. It's ID that is built to withstand countless hours in the pool or any weather mother nature throws at you on the road or trail.
• Nearly indestructible stainless steel tag holds up to 6 lines of crystal clear contact and medical information. Because seconds count in an emergency, the most important information is plainly visible on the front of the tag.
• Available in lots of colors so you can accessorize your race kit, show off your mood or just pick your favorite.
• Made in the USA and proudly shared around the world.

All of that for $19.99. Seems like a no-brainer to me!

***

There are just a few of the new products that I've discovered and enjoyed using on my runs/trips to the gym recently!

I hope some of these can help you! :)

Have you checked out Spandits?

Color in my wardrobe - no way!! For most of my life I hid behind dark workout clothes especially when it came to pants. I mean black is slimming, right?

Well, as the weight came off, I started to get bolder with my running or workout tops, but the black pants remained.

I was discussing this through my social media networks and all of a sudden Spandits showed up on my radar. They were very engaging on Instagram so I had to check out who they really were.

So you are probably wondering who the heck Spandits is?

Well, there tagline is: Seriously Fun, Never Too Bold.

If that gives you a small idea. ;)

Spandits is a small apparel company out of Centerville, Maine run by a pair of running mothers.

Our business is driven by our desire to offer apparel that is both fun to wear and functional.

When you spend up to three hours a day wearing spandex tights, you get tired of rotating from black to gray to navy and back to black again. That’s why, after combing through hundreds of store racks, we decided it was time to start our own venture.

I was liking what I was reading. I love supporting small local businesses.

The more I chatted with Spandits' social media team the more intrigued I got.

Well the lovely ladies of Spandits offered to send me a free pair of capris (retail $40). How could I pass up an offer like that, right?

I continuously checked the mail and finally it was here.

OOhhh was I one of those real athletes that would be testing these out? I always get giddy if someone refers to me as an athlete so we will pretend they were talking right to me. ;)

I had gone bold. I selected the "hyperspeed" pattern and boy was it bold.

Now, I as I mentioned I am not one to wear colors on the bottom so this was outside my comfort zone. I just kept thinking to myself my thighs will look massive. I ordered a medium and I thought they would be too tight. How could I order such a small size?

Then I swallowed the insecurities and slid the pants on.

Wow!

I slid these pants on and didn't feel an ounce of insecurity.

Confidence. Comfort. Color.

It was all happening at once. I was surprised that the Mediums actually fit like a glove.

Now I loved how they looked, but how functionable (is that even a word?) were they going to be.

We’ve worked hard to select high-quality fabrics and customize a fit that works for you.  All of our waist-bands rest just below the navel. Both men’s and women’s apparel contain a key pocket just large enough to hold a standard key fob.  And if you’re tired of sweating in your winter hat, check out our headbands and skull caps that are just enough to let off some steam while keeping you warm.

I liked the little pocket to pop my key in and it really didn't move around as I was jogging around the apartment.

But it was time to road test them. I went out for an easy 3 mile run. I like to go on shorter distance runs when testing out new fitness gear in case it malfunctions.

Never want to be midway through a 7 mile run and have a wardrobe malfunction.

So out I went.

Overall, the pants were comfortable, but I missed having a tie at the waistband. I like to make my pants tight around the waist to avoid any sort of slippage or "riding down" if you will. So a couple times during the run I found myself pulling at the waistband of the pants to make sure it was right where I wanted it. I think a tie just does that for me or gives me the reassurance that they won't move.

I think they worked well for me on a short run, but I would be too distracted by the lack of a tie at the top to wear them for a long distance run.

BUT, I wasn't done testing them out. :P

I gave them another shot during my cross training workout - a little Stairmaster and Spin action.

They really were great. They didn't ride down during the jumps of Spin or slide down as I pushed myself on the Stairmaster.

Plus they looked pretty snazzy as I hit up Dunkin' Donuts afterward.

I think the people in line loved them!!

I really do love all the pattern choices they have to offer. They make all the products themselves and inspect all pieces before they are mailed out. I will take that for quality control.

Would I buy another pair of Spandits capris for running? Probably not for me personally.

Would I buy another pair of Spandits capris for cross training and general use? Heck yeah.

I love supporting local and you can see the love in each article of clothing they produce.

The only other hitch is that I do not believe they are machine washable.

(Editor's Note: after speaking with the owners of Spandits they did point out that their products are machine washable!)

So if you are in the market for some bold workout gear, Spandits offers a wide variety of accessories, shorts, pants, etc for women, men and children.

Support local and tell them Weight Off My Shoulders sent you.

Sooo which pattern should I choose next?

Three Things Thursday

Three new products I've tried out recently and am digging: 1) Arctic Ease (Value $15.95 per wrap)

What is it?

ARCTIC EASE® WRAPS ARE AN EASY EFFECTIVE TREATMENT THAT PROVIDES HOURS OF COOL RELIEF FROM PAIN AND INFLAMMATION WITHOUT THE DISCOMFORT OF ICE OR FROZEN GEL PACKS. IN ADDITION TO ELIMINATING THE IRRITATION AND ODOR FROM MENTHOL PATCHES.

I first heard about these wraps from Colleen at TheFitBee.com in April 2012 at her virtual run.

I LOVED being able to ice my knee without being tied down to a bed or couch. I wrapped it up and continued about my day as normal. It was awesome! PLUS, it is reusable (4-8 times per wrap). Say wha? I know!! :)

You just return the wrap to the pouch or plastic container, add 2 tbsps of water, reseal keep at room temperature and it will be good to use multiple times! It makes the $15.95 per wrap price tag a little easier to swallow when you know you can reuse it.

A couple of months back I reached out to Arctic Ease to see if I could score a sample so I could try them again and tell you all about them.

They were nice enough to send me 2 wraps - blue and red. At first I thought they were different types of wraps, but I think one was old packaging and one was new because everything else on the bottles read exactly the same.

The nice things about these wraps is that they can be used on ankles, knees, elbows, shoulders, wrists, feet and lower backs. Additionally, their website gives you step by step instructions on how to apply the wrap depending on the area of the body and the pain.

As the package states:

ARCTIC EASE administers therapeutic cold compression while conforming to the affected site. It'll stay in one place, even if you don't. It's suitable for sprains, arthritis, minor burns, bruises and muscle craps.

And besides being functional, it comes in six colors so you can coordinate with your outfit. ;)

(Note: I am wearing the red one on my right knee as I type this!)

***

2) Shower Pill (Value - $10 for a 10 pack)

What is it?

ShowerPill™ is the hygiene supplement designed to keep you fresh and clean while on-the-go. This large premium antibacterial body wipe is individually packaged to be discrete, yet versatile and big on performance.

So I had no idea what a hygiene supplement is so thankfully they explained it further on their website:

Just touched that doorknob? You should run to the sink, but grab hand sanitizer instead. Finished that tuna sandwich and forgot your toothbrush? Better pop a breath mint. Worked up a sweat during your midday workout? The ShowerPill™ Athletic Body Wipe™ will keep you fresh so that you can stay at your best all day long.

I was scrolling through Twitter the other night and all of a sudden the twitter handle - @ShowerPill - and was instantly intrigued. Many of you know I usually work out in between Weight Watchers meetings and I am always rushing to squeeze a rinse off before interacting with people. :P So I thought I had to give this a shot.

Shower Pill sent me a couple wipes to try and we IMMEDIATELY put them to good use. Why? Well, my wife couldn't shower for at least 48 hours after knee surgery last week and it was about 100 degrees out so we needed to help her sweaty self out. We used a Shower Pill wipe and it worked like a charm. Since she gave it a positive review, it was my turn.

On Tuesday, I had to fit in a run between meetings and was running late (shocker!) so it was Shower Pill to the rescue. I was pleasantly surprised. I didn't smell at all like I had just been covered in sweat a mere five minutes earlier.

Would I use them after every single workout, probably not. But, I will be keeping them on hand in my house and gym bag for emergencies. I'd rather use one of these than show up smelly. You never want to be the smelly kid. :P

Also, read how Shower Pill was invented - I found it entertaining! :)

***

3) ROAD ID App (Value - free)

To all my readers here that exercise outside (walking, jogging, prancercising, cycling, etc): I highly recommend you download the FREE Road ID iPhone app! It is still in BETA, but I downloaded it last weekend (find it here).

We all know I never leave home without my ROAD ID bracelet, which has contact information on it as well. BUT, the app will contact people FOR you.

Stock Photo From ROAD ID

You input up to 5 phone numbers into the app and the app will contact those people when you head out on a workout AND if you stop in one place for too long.

So on Saturday when I headed out for a run, I had to try it out. So the main screen allows you to note how long you will be going out for, which type of activity you are doing, etc.

Stock Photo From ROAD ID

I inputted just my wife's information and as I hit "start" on the app she received the following text:

Cool!

So on Sunday, we wanted to text the "alert" feature so I went out for a run and told my wife that at the end I would keep my phone in one place for 5 minutes while I stretched - just so she didn't get worried something really happened. (Especially since she is laid up with a bum knee :P)

And here is what happened:

Once I was in one spot for 4 minutes, this timer started going off saying I had 1 minute left. It was LOUD. I could hear the alarm going off even with my headphones on, but I had to let it countdown. Once the timer hit zero, my wife received the text on the right.

I think this can be one amazing app and something I will definitely use in the future. Someone online mentioned theirs stopped running when they took a picture, but I took 3 pictures during the run and ROAD ID kept counting away. :)

Unfortunately it is just available for the iPhone, but I'm sure it will expand once it is out of BETA.

***

Have a Happy Thursday!! :)

Argyle Zensah Compression Socks Giveaway

Annddddd the winners ARE:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

CONGRATS!!!!

Thank you to everyone that participated and big thanks to our Sponsor!!!

***

What was life like before compression? How did I run for so long before welcoming compression into my life? Boy was I late to the party! Now I rock lots of compression ... arm sleeves, leg sleeves, socks and even shorts!!

And all from Zensah! About six weeks ago, Zensah gave me the opportunity to review a pair of Neon Yellow Compression Socks, which you can read here.

While neon is fantastic (never thought I would say that outside of the 1980s), it doesn't go with all of my running outfits. Zensah to the rescue. Argyle Say whhaa?? You heard me ... argyle compression socks ($49.99 value)! Like the website states:

Zensah Argyle Compression Socks provide runners, triathletes, cyclists, and all athletes with increased circulation and decreased recovery time by utilizing advanced graduated compression in each pair of argyle compression socks - meaning the greatest amount of compression in the ankle and less in the calf area.

Of course I had to pick the white-grey-neon pink argyle socks since they go so well with my Asics running shoes. Don't you agree? We were a match made in Heaven. Many wonder when compression socks can be worn and Zensah puts it best:

The argyle compression socks are able to be worn prior to exercise to help runners warm up and prevent injury. Athletes are able to wear the compression socks during running and other exercises to help increase endurance through improved muscle oxygenation. Wear Zensah Argyle Compression Socks post-exercise provide runners, triathletes, cyclists, and athletes with a valuable recovery tool, helping to rebuild muscles faster.

Yup, that's exactly what I would say: before a workout, during a workout or after a workout!! Your choice! Personally, I am most apt to use the argyle compression socks for post workout recovery ... especially with some weakness in my left leg after a back injury/surgery/sciatica I suffered in 2011. The compression socks really help the blood to flow and to speed up the recovery process. I even go as far as wearing them at night while I sleep if I feel I really need the help! But, there are days when the legs are feeling sluggish or tired and I will break out the compression socks. The day I ran the Freedom Trail Run (June 8) was one of those mornings ... so my amazing neon pink-grey-white Zensah socks came with me. The day was overcast and some puddles remained from a heavy rain the night before, but the moisture wicking fibers kept my feet nice and dry. Additionally, the padded toe and heel offer extra shock absorption on the uneven Boston cobblestone streets. And you know how you hate when a seam gets in one of those uncomfortable positions in your sneaker and you have to stop running, pause your Garmin and adjust the sock ... not in the Zensah compression socks since they are seamless. Smart designers!

So, I may have chosen the neon pink-grey-white argyle pattern this time ... but Zensah has 6 patterns to choose from. Eek, which will I choose next? *Black-Electric Blue-Light Blue *Black-Grey-Light Pink *Black-Grey-Neon Pink *Black-Turquoise-Green Apple *White-Electric Blue-Light Blue *White-Grey-Light Pink *White-Grey-Neon Pink *** So, now we get to the exciting part ... do you want to do know what it is? Well, I guess the title of this post gave it away ... it's a GIVEAWAY!!! Zensah generously offered a giveaway with not 1, not 2, but 5 lucky readers will win their own pairs of Argyle compression socks! YAY!!!!! Here's how to enter: The giveaway will run from Monday June 17 (9am ET) through Friday June 21 (9am ET)!

The winner will be selected and announced on Friday!

I'm an X-1 Audio Team Member!

I owe this amazing opportunity to being a member of Team REFUEL with Got Chocolate Milk!! In March, I received an offer to test out a pair of X-1 Audio headphones.

Of course, I couldn't pass that up! :)

So I worked with Dana from X-1 Audio to get a free pair of the women's sweatproof headphones ... hello check out all the colors here!

I opted for the blue pair (of course) and patiently waited to receive them in the mail.

So what makes X-1 so special? I didn't know so to the website I went and found:

Inspired by the Bell X-1, the first aircraft to break the sound barrier, the team at X-1 set out to perfect a line of products that break down the barriers of sound, allowing athletes to harness the power of music regardless of sport or climate. Whether you’re a triathlete, swimmer, runner, kayaker, snowboarder, climber, weightlifter, or a gym goer, X-1 offers audio solutions that can withstand everything from trekking through the mud to running in the rain to diving 12 feet underwater.

Well that all seems pretty cool.

I have tested out a LOT of headphones so I was ready to give these a try.

Especially since these were designed ESPECIALLY for women.

You don't train in the same clothes or shoes as male athletes - why should you settle for headphones made for men? X-1 For Women headphones were built specifically for female athletes. They were designed to fit smaller ears and are integrated with features that keep you safe, without sacrificing the performance you demand. The X-1 For Women line is the result of female athletes designing features and functions for the needs of female athletes, from smaller, ultra-light earbuds to ambient noise allowance that keeps you aware of your surroundings. You are strong and powerful - and now you can have a sports audio system that works as hard as you do.

After the first run, I was hooked. I love that the X-1 Audio headphones:

*offer multiple 5 different ear tip sizes to get just the right fit

*are reflective for safety - the tangle free cord illuminates with light for extra visibility and safety while working out or running in low light

*designed to withstand heavy perspiration, they can be used in all types of weather and they can be rinsed after use

*have a clip that attaches to the top of your jacket, shirt or tank to lower the annoyance factor (one of my pet peeves is flappy headphone cords)

At the beginning of May, I was approached by Dana to apply to be a member of the X-1 Audio Team. I love their brand, product and message so I went for it ...

... and I was accepted!

WOO! :)

Thanks Dana for the amazing opportunity.

So what was my first purchase after being accepted?

A set of headphones for swimming of course!

Headphones for swimming?

I KNOW! I was shocked at first, but had to give it a try.

There were so many options, but I opted for these ...

Interval 4G w/ Blue Apple iPod Shuffle

I gave them a whirl on Tuesday (May 21) for the first time in a quick 30-min swim.

It was wicked cool to be listening to music, while in the pool. It is so easy to get bored during a swim workout, but I don't think I will from here on out.

The iPod goes inside the plastic case which secures to your goggles. So it looks like this:

I thought the whole thing would be too bulky on the back of my head, but I didn't notice it at all. It didn't impact my stroke or my breathing in the least.

As you can see, I need some new goggles, but that is my own thing and nothing to do with the device. :P

The headphones fit nicely under my swim cap.

I do need a silicone swim cap so that the water doesn't seep in which again happened with my swim cap that is about 6 years old.

Yes I need to do some upgrading. ;)

I cannot wait to hit the pool - for longer next time - and rock out to the Wicked Soundtrack again. (Yup, definitely listend to Wicked/Adele/Pink combo the other day!)

***

Have you tried X-1 Audio headphones? Do you like listening to music while swimming?

Breakin' Down My RunnerBox

I blame Facebook. Haha.

Do you need more explanation?

I blame Facebook for opening my eyes to new addictions.

The latest.

RunnerBox.

RunnerBox's website describes the service as:

RunnerBox is a subscription based box for runners, triathletes and other active people. It is a mini shoebox filled with running products, mailed to your front door. It has everything from energy products, gels, chews, protein shakes/supplements, nutrition bars, skincare, and other accessories! Some products will be brand new (but personally tested) on the market, and some will be tried and true favorites. With so many products coming out on the market, leave the trials and testing to us, we’ll search out the best and send them to you!

How could I NOT sign up for it after reading that description?

Right?

I mean seriously.

RunnerBox offers a few different subscriptions for varying prices - one box: every month, every other month, every six months or you can give one box as a gift.

Same options are available for the Tribox - a box clearly geared towards triathletes! ;)

So I made and account, signed up on Friday (April 5) for $15.70 a month (which is one box a month) and received my first box in the mail on Monday (April 8)!

(Note: I was contacted by RunnerBox letting me know they actually mailed me the bi-monthly subscription box - which retails for $25.70 per order. They will be mailing me out the correct box for the $15.70 subscription soon. SOOO the info below is for the $25.70 box that you would receive every other month.)

Do you want to know what was inside?

Well of course you do. That was a dumb question. ;)

It started with a kick ass quote...

... and turned into Christmas!

:)

So what exactly did the RunnerBox include...

(Descriptions from the neon green sheet in the picture above ... disclaimer: RunnerBox discounts removed from the descriptions since they were given to RunnerBox subscribers)

Injinji Socks: The original performance lightweight performance series toesock = no blisters

 

SiMbi hair-bracelets: beautiful, functional, and each SiMbi sold purifies 1 gallon of water a day and creates jobs for the people of Haiti. Excellent.

 

Win Detergent: for tech fabrics making garments last longer, smell fresher and perform better.

Clif ShotBlocks Energy Chews: Semi-solid easy to chew sources of carbs and electrolytes that taste great!

Energybits: 100% natural organic spirulina tablets.

Slik Skin Strong: Prevents chafing and more in a convenient spray.

Chocolate #9 Gel: Tastes so good you'll want to run just so you can eat it.

Recover Bars: All natural bar designed to replenish depleted muscle glycogen stores for faster recovery

Huma Gel: An all natural chia seed based gel with Omega 3's and gluten free.

Cytomax Sports Drink packs: lowers acid level during and after training.

Skora Shoes: *product discount coupon only*

Zensah Compression: *product discount coupon only*

I would say that is one sweet haul for $25.70 don't you?

The only product I have tried so far were the Energy bits, but I had been sent a free sample of their product BEFORE my RunnerBox arrived.

Besides Energybits, I have yet to have time to try any of the other products as I finish prepping for Monday's Boston Marathon. But I will make sure to do so afterwards. I don't want to try anything new this close to the race.

I can't wait to see what May has to offer!! :)

***

Has anyone else ordered a RunnerBox? Have you participated in another monthly subscription program?